If it’s time to pump out your septic tank or to have it certified for a real estate transaction, call All-American Septic Pumping and Services! We have more 5-star ratings than any other septic company in San Diego County.
If this is your first time pumping your septic tank, you may not know what to expect. Knowing what will happen can save you time and help you better understand how your septic system operates.
What to Expect Before, During, and After a Septic Pump-Out
From the moment you contact us, you can expect a top-notch experience. A knowledgeable representative will gladly schedule your appointment and answer any questions you may have. To plan your service effectively, we will need some key details:
What city is the property located in?
Where is your tank located? Are your lids buried? (we require the lids to be uncovered before we arrive)
When was the last time the tank was pumped?
Are you scheduling for regular service or a real estate transaction?
Your lids need to be uncovered (not removed) before we arrive. Most tanks have 2 man-hole size (22″-24″) lids. If you’re unsure where the tank is located, we can assist by checking county records for the as-built plan on file, which shows the layout from when the system was installed.
When All-American Septic Pumping and Services arrives at your property, you will be greeted by a friendly and professional technician. Please ensure that any gates needed for access are open, driveways are clear of vehicles and obstacles, pets are secured, and access to the tank is unobstructed.
Once our technician reaches the tank location, they will remove the lids from either the top of the tank or from the risers. Both lids must be removed to gain access to the inlet and outlet compartments of the tank. We recommend that homeowners do not attempt to remove the lids themselves, as we have the necessary equipment to do so safely.
Next, pumping will begin. Our technicians will use a state-of-the-art vacuum truck to pump out waste from both sides of the tank. Removing all waste is the best way to prevent sludge build-up. This process can take up to an hour, depending on the distance from the tank to the truck and the topography between them.
After the tank is emptied, a visual inspection will be conducted. Our technicians will recommend any necessary repairs and suggest when the next maintenance pump should be scheduled (typically every 3, 4, or 5 years). Since every home and septic system is unique, expect our team to consult with you to create a maintenance schedule that fits your needs.
We strongly recommend adhering to the suggested maintenance timeline, as it is the most effective way to ensure your system operates properly.
Once the pumping service is complete, there is no need to add anything to the tank to “restart” or “recolonize” it. We do not recommend using additives in the tank, as the growth of bacteria will naturally resume with each toilet flush.
**Important Information Regarding Your Septic Tank Service**
PLEASE NOTE* Your septic tank will return to its “operating level” within 2-3 weeks of normal usage after your pumping service. The operating level is considered to be 90-95% full. All tanks are designed to operate this way, so if it appears “full,” that’s perfectly normal.
If your tank is more than 6 inches below the surface, we recommend installing risers to comply with current codes. Risers facilitate easier access for both homeowners and service providers, reducing the labor needed to dig up the lids before each service and cover them back up afterward. Although they can be costly upfront, they provide long-term benefits.
**For Real Estate Transactions:** A 30-minute water test will be conducted before pumping the septic tank. This test helps determine if the drain field is absorbing liquid. The rest of the inspection will take place after the tank has been pumped. Please note that the tank must be pumped to complete the inspection.
Sometimes, things may not go as planned, despite our efforts to ensure a smooth experience. While such occurrences are rare, here are some situations we aim to avoid:
- Unable to pump the tank: This may happen if the lids are not uncovered, if the lids have been mistaken for 6-inch cleanouts to plumbing lines, or if there is excessive debris (such as wipes, feminine products, etc.) in the tank. If the septic tank lids have not been exposed by the time of our arrival or if we are unable to pump the tank, we may need to reschedule your appointment and charge an additional fee.
- Access Issues: We may be unable to access the property if gates are locked, if the driveway has overgrown trees or unsafe conditions, or if homeowners are unresponsive upon our arrival.
- Late Cancellations: We require 24 hours’ notice to reschedule or cancel appointments. This allows us enough time to adjust our drivers and routes for the day. We understand that circumstances can change at the last minute, but we ask you to be respectful of our drivers and employees’ time. Late cancellations may incur a fee.
While we strive to avoid these situations, they can occasionally occur. Please remember that the time on our schedule is reserved specifically for you. If we cannot access or pump your tank as planned, returning when you are ready adds to our operational costs.
Communication is key! Feel free to contact us at any time before your appointment with questions. We are more than happy to help you with preparations. You can even text us photos of your tank to ensure it’s ready for service.